Five-star lineman Jackson Cantwell arrives with immediate impact potential, aiming to anchor the Miami Hurricanes' revamped offensive line and fuel their championship aspirations.
The Miami Hurricanes have a top-10-ranked recruiting class joining next season, which features five-star recruit left tackle Jackson Cantwell. He provides tremendous size, listed at 6'7, 325 pounds, which fits perfectly with coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabel.
One of the key factors in the Hurricanes' run towards the National Championship game was the protection of quarterback Carson Beck, who was among the least pressured in the nation. However, as Darian Mensah is taking over, the offensive line will look drastically different.
Right guard Anez Cooper, left tackle Markel Bell, right tackle Francis Mauigoa, and center James Brockermeyer have declared for the NFL draft. They played significant roles in Beck's protection, with the ability to win in the trenches, having great size and strength.
It will be an opportunity for others to step up, such as Samson Okunlola and Matthew McCoy. The Hurricanes acquired a transfer portal offensive lineman in Jamal Meriweather, who was previously in the SEC with the Georgia Bulldogs.
As the program tinkers, Cantwell is expected to start right away and provide an immediate impact. He finished with 459 pancake blocks in 45 games at Nixo High School. The 17-year-old was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year, the first offensive lineman to win the award.
Cantwell was recruited by numerous power four programs, such as the Florida Gators, Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers, Oregon Ducks, and many others, before committing to the Hurricanes on May 13, 2025. He caught a first-hand glimpse of the National Championship run, having participated in practice sessions with the team.
The Missouri native joins a program whose head coach, Cristobal, was an offensive lineman for the same uniform. He was a member of two National Championship-winning teams in 1989 and 1991.
Cantwell will be crucial for the Hurricanes' run game, which became a vocal point in the College Football Playoffs, led by star Mark Fletcher Jr. Plus, the protection of Mensah, who can throw the football with excellent accuracy and extend drives with his legs.
The success starts with the offensive line, especially for this revamped roster.
Wide receiver Malachi Toney took the college football world by storm, leading the nation with 109 catches for 1,211 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns as a freshman. Cantwell is likely to deliver that same impact for the Hurricanes.
A few other names to monitor when spring training opens are Ralph Scroggins, Seuseu Alofaituli, Max Buchanan, Jaden Wilkerson, and Demetrius Campbell.
The clarity of the offensive line will be intriguing to learn.
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